RIO Tinto has shelved plans for its $547 million automated train project in Western Australia because of the economic slowdown.
The Automated Train Operations (ATO) program was scheduled for implementation in 2012 to boost efficiency and help the company expand its iron ore production.
However, rail economist, Nick Wills-Johnson, says the project has “lost its urgency” because of reduced demand for iron ore.
According to Rio, the program could be restarted when “circumstances permit”.
In the meantime, the miner will concentrate on other new technologies in the Pilbara, including automated truck haulage, automated drill and blast, and remote mine operation technology.
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